US Bridges

Old US 80 over Gila River

FairPosted for load

Maricopa County, Arizona · S/ Gillespie Dam · Structure no. 08021

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,662 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
307
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US 80 over Gila River is a steel truss - thru carrying Old US 80 over Gila River in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 98 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 307 vehicles a day, roughly 50% of them trucks, projected to reach 317 by 2041. The structure is 1,662 ft (506.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld US 80
CrossesGila River
LocationS/ Gillespie Dam
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.22724, -112.7696
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,662 ft (506.6 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic307 (2021)
Projected traffic317 by 2041
Trucks50%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old US 80 over Gila River built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Old US 80 over Gila River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Old US 80 over Gila River carry?

About 307 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 50% are trucks.

How long is Old US 80 over Gila River?

The structure is 1,662 ft (506.6 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Old US 80 over Gila River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.